STARCROSSED lovers Romeo and Juliet will take to the stage at Richmond's theatre next week.

Acclaimed theatre company Northern Broadsides will perform William Shakespeare's romantic masterpiece at the Georgian Theatre Royal between Tuesday, April 29, and Saturday, May 3.

The performance will feature a flamboyant masked ball, rousing clog dancing, and a thrilling percussive fight sequence all set to original music, performed live on stage.

Director Barrie Rutter said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It's a reminder of how invincible young lovers are and how immortal young love is, and yet how outrageously vulnerable at the same time.

"Lest we "grown-ups" forget."

Conrad Nelson, who composed the original score and is now associate director of the company, said: ""Fiddles, accordion, trumpets and cajon combine in an eclectic mix, borrowing from Blues, Cajun and English Folk music.

"The music reflects the mood and heat of the climate, whilst regular rhythms of the celebratory dance still echo in our ears."

Evening performances take place at 7.30pm, and there will be a Saturday matinee on May 3 at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £9-17.70, and there will be student concessions at £7 on Tuesday, April 29.

Booking is advisable - call the box office on 01748 825252.